National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Responds To Termination Of Critical USDA Local Farm To School, Child Care Food Purchase Program

On March 11, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition lamented the termination of previously announced funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement program. 

[Pennsylvania farmers received $6.8 million a year from this program.]

"On March 7, the US Department of Agriculture notified States, Territories and Tribes of the termination of previously announced 2025 funding for LFSCC and LFPA, stating that it no longer effectuates the Department's priorities.  

“USDA’s decision to re-initiate reimbursements on signed LFPA and LFS contracts is a welcome development, yet the termination of the LFPA25 cooperative agreements misses a key opportunity to bolster opportunities for farmers seeking financial stability through new and expanded domestic markets. 

“LFPA is an incredibly popular program, generating enormous economic opportunities by fostering regional supply chains and investing in local farmers. 

“We're eager to get to work envisioning a future for these essential investments that support direct purchases and allow farmers to retain a larger share of the dollar,” said Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director.

These programs stabilize local food supply chains by supporting regional food purchases for schools, food pantries, community kitchens, and other assistance efforts. 

Beyond meeting a direct short-term need, these programs spurred business development and significant economic impact by directing hundreds of millions of federal dollars into the hands of small businesses and producers nationwide. 

These programs have demonstrated their success in promoting rural prosperity and farmer viability, which led to the allocation of additional funding through LFPA 2025 and LFSCC 2025. 

“The decision to terminate the latest round of LFPA and LFSCC funding will have profoundly harmful economic impacts nationwide. 

“Farmers and businesses have invested their own resources to scale operations to respond to local need and meet demand. 

“This decision comes at a time where many have already planted for the upcoming season and may leave a substantial market gap for producers,” commented Hannah Quigley, NSAC policy specialist.

Click Here for the Coalition announcement.

Resource Links:

-- Reuters: USDA Cancels $1 Billion In Food Purchases From Local Farms By Schools, Food Banks 

-- Dept. Of Agriculture Invests $500,000 To Support Urban Farmers, Increase Availability Of Fresh Food In Cities Across PA

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[Posted: March 11, 2025]  PA Environment Digest